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2007 Ford Ranger

The 2007 Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck known for its reliability, affordability, and practicality. Engine options for the 2007 Ranger include a 2.3L Duratec inline-4 producing 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque and a 4.0L Cologne V6 producing 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Ranger for its simple design, ease of maintenance, and maneuverability. Common dislikes include its relatively small cabin, outdated interior, and lower fuel economy compared to newer trucks.

Engine

2.3L Duratec I4

  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive timing chain noise, engine misfires, check engine light illuminated with codes related to camshaft/crankshaft correlation.
    • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
    • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Cologne V6

  • Thermostat Housing Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak from the thermostat housing, overheating, low coolant level.
    • Solution: Replacement of the thermostat housing and gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, stalling, difficulty starting, check engine light with codes relating to the camshaft position sensor.
    • Solution: Replacement of the camshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (5R55E)

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, erratic shifting patterns.
    • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, stalling, abnormal noises from the transmission, poor fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1400
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Ball Joint Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, loose steering.
    • Solution: Replacement of the upper and/or lower ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 per side
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Leaf Spring Sag/Breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, especially when loaded, rough ride, leaf spring cracking or breaking.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000 per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Blend Door Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control air temperature, air only blowing hot or cold, clicking noises from the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Windshield wipers not working, working intermittently, or only working on certain speeds.
    • Solution: Replacement of the windshield wiper motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Bed and Body Panels
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the bed, rocker panels, wheel wells, and other body panels. Especially prevalent in areas with high road salt usage.
    • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, or application of rust inhibitors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on severity)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming in the dashboard, especially in warmer climates.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (for replacement), $50 - $200 (for cover)
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Ford Ranger, while generally reliable, has some common issues owners should be aware of. Engine issues, particularly timing chain concerns in the 2.3L and thermostat housing leaks in the 4.0L, can be costly. Transmission issues, especially with the 5R55E automatic, can also lead to significant repair bills. Suspension issues, such as ball joint wear and leaf spring problems, are also common due to the age of the vehicle. Electrical problems, like blend door actuator failure, can impact comfort, and dashboard cracking is a common cosmetic concern. Rust is a major problem in regions that use road salt. Overall, while the Ranger is a capable truck, potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues and factor in the potential costs of repair. The severity and cost of these issues range from minor annoyances to more significant repairs, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is recommended.

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